Agency Quote by Robert P. George
“We live at a time that is notable for the polemical nature of discussions about identity, consciousness, rationality, agency, memory, and feeling. 'New atheists' and reductive materialists conduct gladiatorial debates against defenders of faith and enemies of reductionism. Lots of heat is produced, but, alas, little light is shed. How marvelous it is, then, to see this fine new book by Lenn E. Goodman and Gregory Caramenico. Here is a learned, illuminating, and decidedly non-polemical treatment of the classic questions of soul, mind, and brain-an exemplary work of scholarship.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Review of The Soul, Mind, and Brain by Lenn E. Goodman and Gregory Caramenico, 2023
The reviewer praises a scholarly work that addresses classic questions of mind and soul without polemics, contrasting it with heated debates among atheists and materialists.
In simple terms: A calm, scholarly book tackles mind‑soul questions amid noisy debates.
Key Takeaway
Seek thoughtful, non‑polemical scholarship on consciousness.
Themes
philosophy
science
religion
dialogue
intellectual honesty
Mood
respectful
curious
Type
academic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic courses
- public lectures
- interfaith dialogues
- personal study
Key Concepts
mind‑body problem
epistemology
interdisciplinary study
Questions to Reflect On
- How can nuanced scholarship engage the public?
- What bridges exist between science and faith?
A Different Perspective
Such works may struggle to reach broader audiences beyond academia.
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